Special Citizens' Day

I recently attended Special Citizens’ Day at the 2012 National Peanut Festival. We had such a blast! Special Citizens’ Day is always such a joy to attend because people in Dothan and the surrounding communities have a chance to become involved in helping children and adults with special needs. The NPF committee spends countless hours preparing for the day to ensure that everyone in attendance is able to enjoy every aspect of the fair.

We began our day at 9 a.m. when school buses and adult care center buses began to flood the fair grounds. Volunteers ranging from high school students to senior citizens were each paired with a child or adult with special needs to spend time with during the day. We were given special stickers so that all rides at the fairgrounds were free of charge. My buddy, A’Kasia, loved all of the “big girl rides”. We rode the “Dizzy Dragons” at least five times. Most of the children that attended had never been to the fair, so they spent the entire day in awe of the rides and lights. There is no better feeling than seeing such genuine joy on a child’s face!

After we enjoyed the rides, we all gathered for lunch. Different organizations sponsored lunch for the special citizens. They even got cotton candy and stuffed animals so that they could enjoy the complete fair experience! Singer and songwriter, Shane Owens, performed during lunch. We all enjoyed music and dancing before it was time to go back to school. This is one event that I hope to participate in as long as possible!


My sweet buddy, A’Kasia, made my day! She always has a smile on her faces and brightens the day of anyone she meets.
 
My friend, Hayden, and her buddy, Mariah, stole my phone and had a little fun with their silly pictures!

We definitely had the best girl group at Special Citizens’ Day! We all had such a fun day and cannot wait until next year!

Caroline Crowley

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